We don’t need no stinking tables.
Since joining IABC I’ve been aware that attached to organization’s DNA is the idea that real communicators need a seat at the table. For the first few years I thought there must be an office furniture shortage (I was young). Then someone explained…no, this is THE table around which the organization’s brain trust gather to make critical decisions. Competition for one of the seats is perceived to be fierce. But in reality, if the people at the table want what’s inside your head you’ll be at the table (whether you want to or not). So communicators have continued to search for the mind candy that’s needed and wanted at the table.
IMHO, we’ve reached one of those be careful what you wish for moments. If the two IABC conferences I’ve attended in the last couple of weeks are an indication, the line to get inside your head forms here and stretches past the horizon. Communication technology appears to be the single largest driver of change sweeping the world. What were dot com dreams a few short years ago are now real conversations and implementations.
If you’re a communicator you have the stage and the spotlight is on you. Speak. Now.
keith
paradox place 
And while you’re at it, BE HEARD!
Excellent observations, Keith. We are fortunate at EMBARQ that our VP of communications does indeed have a seat at the table. Our challenge is not that the senior lead team is resistant to listening to us about new ways of communicating, but that they all want something new RIGHT NOW! It’s indeed an exciting time to be in communications.